This 50's-style sock hop is all about turning up the music and dancing to rockabilly tunes. When you add a DJ and some light refreshments, it’s sure to be a fun night for all ages and full of great exercise as well.

Promotion

Get residents excited well in advance by sending out some 50’s trivia questions to test their knowledge of the decade, or put together a simple 10s music word search as part of the monthly newsletter. You can also post similar trivia, games, and old photos on your social media pages to engage residents ahead of the event.

Playlist

Most rockabilly classics are perfect for dancing, but here’s an “ultimate” playlist that will help you craft your own set of the perfect tracks. You can also purchase pre-mixed CDs with all the classics.

There are some great compilations on YouTube as well including two with lesser known rockabilly artists. Check out this 1950’s Rockabilly Mix, and part two here.

If you’re hiring a DJ, you may also want to expand the offerings to include Rock-n-Roll, Motown, Soul, R&B, and Doo Wop.

Refreshments

Keep things simple with refreshments like water, juice, and soda and eats like pretzels and popcorn. Or go all out and host an ice cream social sundae bar or make ice cream floats. Burger sliders, fries, and pizza are other crowd-pleasers.

Decorations

Think old fashioned diner when planning your themed decorations. Pastel colors like mint green, canary yellow, and light pink, along with black and white checkers can all be incorporated. Also, consider cutting out some large musical notes from construction paper to hang around the room.

Image source: Pinterest

**TIP** Old records can be hung from the ceiling and placed around the room for effect (pick some up from a local thrift shop for a few cents each).

Costumes

In addition to encouraging residents to dress up for the event, a photo booth area with 50’s props or costumes is sure to be a hit. You can rent or buy some fun props from your local thrift store or vintage clothing or costume shop and set up a table in front of the “selfies station.”

Here are some ideas of props to include (you can find some of these at your local thrift store or you can make your own!)

·         Cat eye glasses

·         Chiffon scarves

·         Letterman jacket

·         Poodle skirts

·         Bandanas

·         Old-time radio mic

·         Jukebox

·         Records

·         Ice cream floats

Image source: Pinterest

Games and Dancing

Of course the starring event is the dancing – make sure everyone is wearing their socks!

Image source: Pinterest

For games, you may want to bust out some of the more active classics. Hula hoops, Limbo, Twister, and the newly popular live action version of Hungry, Hungry Hippos, are all great ideas. 

Guest appearances

For a special treat you can have staff dress up in costume like 50s icons for some

memorable guest appearances. This will encourage even more photo taking and social media sharing.

If you have the budget for it, you can check with local booking agencies for celebrity impersonators like Marylyn Monroe, James Dean, Jonny Cash, or Elvis, for some extra-special fun.

Image source: Elvis Soundalikes

Most impersonators charge about $150 and up for their appearances in-state. No matter what state you’re in there is sure to be an Elvis impersonator near you! Check out this directory for a list of “Elvis” entertainers in your area. Or visit GigSalad for an unlimited list of tribute bands, celebrity impersonators, and more!

**BONUS** To boost the competitive spirit, give out funky awards for best 50s style sock hop costume, best 50’s hairstyle, best 50s dance moves, or best socks.

With some colorful costumes, great tunes, and fancy footwork, everyone is sure to have a rockin’ good time!

(Primary Image source: Clipart Kid)